A complete guide to finding brass instruments (saxophone/trumpet/trombone/horn section) when you can't find them.

When you want to add brass instruments to your band, or want to add depth to your sound with a horn section, many people face the dilemma of "Where can I find brass instrument players?" Unlike guitars and basses, it's difficult to find people who play brass instruments like saxophones, trumpets, and trombones, and I frequently hear people say, "I put out a call for players, but I get absolutely no response." I myself have experienced this difficulty many times when trying to assemble a horn section for ska bands and funk projects.

This article outlines the structural reasons why it's difficult to find wind instrument and brass players, and then comprehensively explains six effective methods for finding them in Japan. From online services like Membo to communities such as wind ensembles, jazz clubs, music universities, and adult big bands, we'll provide specific methods tailored to wind instrument players. Furthermore, we've packed in practical information, including how to write compelling recruitment messages, how to structure a horn section, and common mistakes and how to address them. We hope this guide will be a reliable map for anyone looking for saxophone, trumpet, trombone, or horn players.

Please note that this article is part of a series of "Complete Guides on Finding a Band Member" by instrument. For information on rhythm sections and front-line members, please also refer to the "Complete Guide on Finding a Bassist , " "Complete Guide on Finding a Drummer ," and "Complete Guide on Finding a Vocalist ."

What are wind instruments and brass sections? — Their role and appeal in a band.

Wind instruments (brass and wind instruments) are a general term for instruments that produce sound by blowing air into them. In the context of a band, instruments such as the saxophone , trumpet , and trombone are central, and the group of these instruments that play together is called a "horn section" or "brass band." There are many genres in which wind instruments play a leading role, such as ska, funk, soul, jazz, big band, and R&B.

What a horn section brings to a band

When wind instruments are added to a band that only consists of guitar, bass, drums, and keyboards, the amount of sonic information increases dramatically. The lustrous tone of the saxophone, the piercing brilliance of the trumpet, the thick, warm sound of the trombone—when these overlap, the song gains depth and a sense of exhilaration. In particular, when the horn section plays in unison during the chorus or key phrases, it creates an impact that will capture the hearts of the audience.

The horn section is not merely decorative. It plays a variety of roles, such as driving the groove with riffs (repeating phrases), creating highlights in songs with solos, and adding depth to the harmonies with backing. When the horns add color to the rhythmic foundation created by the bassist and drummer , the band's sound becomes even more professional.

The unique characteristics of the saxophone, trumpet, and trombone.

Even among wind instruments, the role and tonal character of each instrument differ greatly.

• Saxophone : A woodwind instrument that is a star of jazz and pop music. With a wide range of notes including alto, tenor, and baritone, it can handle everything from melodies to solos and riffs. It is an instrument that allows for rich expression, and emotionally charged performances really shine.
• Trumpet : It handles the high register of the brass section, creating highlights in music with its bright and brilliant tone. It often makes its presence felt in fanfares and decisive phrases, and is frequently the "face" of the horn section.
• Trombone : A unique brass instrument whose pitch is changed by a slide. It supports harmonies in the mid-to-low range, and can create a distinctive expression with glissando (a technique of smoothly connecting notes). It is the unsung hero that adds depth and warmth to the horn section.

When these instruments are combined, a cohesive sound is created as a horn section. Considering which instruments to include and how many of each, depending on the band's genre and desired musical style, is the first step in building a brass section.

Genres where wind instruments shine — Ska, Funk, Soul, Jazz

Brass instruments truly shine in a wide variety of genres. In ska and ska-punk, uptempo horn riffs define the band's identity, while in funk and soul, a tight horn section drives the groove. In big band jazz, multiple saxophones, trumpets, and trombones weave an intricate ensemble, with the brass instruments taking center stage.

In recent years, more and more Japanese rock and pop bands are incorporating horn sections into their songs. When live brass instruments are added to a band's performance at festivals or concerts, the band's vibrancy is dramatically enhanced. When searching for members at Membo , having a clear vision of how brass instruments will contribute to your band's musical style is key to attracting good horn players.

Why are brass bands and wind instrument sections so hard to find? — The current situation and structural background in Japan

The difficulty in finding wind instrument players is not a matter of intuition, but rather structural. The unique characteristics of the Japanese music environment, combined with the specific circumstances surrounding wind instruments, result in a chronic shortage of wind instrument players for bands.

The number of people who play wind instruments is concentrated in "brass band clubs."

In Japan, the vast majority of people who play wind instruments come from junior high or high school band clubs. Wind band music is widely popular in school education, and there are quite a few people who can play instruments like the saxophone or trumpet. However, the problem is that many of them stop playing their instruments as soon as they graduate. The reality is that there are many people who "played during their school days, but have kept their instruments stored away in a closet since becoming working adults."

The scale of this movement is reflected in the numbers. According to the All Japan Band Association 's 2024 survey, there are approximately 13,200 member organizations nationwide, with junior and senior high school band clubs being the core. Band activities are among the largest school music club activities, with hundreds of thousands of students playing wind instruments each year. On the other hand, in recent years, the number of member organizations has been declining due to the declining birthrate and reforms to school club activities , with elementary school band clubs in particular decreasing by about 30%, from 1,145 in 2014 to 803 in 2024. In other words, the statistical data confirms that "the total number of people with wind instrument experience is large, but the majority of them lose opportunities to perform after graduating from school." The core of finding horn players lies in how to bring this dormant group back into band activities.

In other words, while there is a large potential population of wind instrument players, the number of people who are currently active and want to play in a band is surprisingly small. How to uncover these "dormant experienced players" becomes a major challenge when searching for brass band members.

The lack of familiarity with the culture of "playing wind instruments in a band"

While many have experience in brass bands or orchestras, most are accustomed to the style of "playing in large groups according to sheet music." On the other hand, the horn sections of rock and funk bands require a small number of members to handle improvisation and riffs, and to move freely on stage. This gap in performance culture creates a psychological hurdle for those who say, "I played in a brass band, but I'm not so sure about playing in a band..."

Conversely, if you carefully bridge this gap, there's a great opportunity for previously inactive wind instrument players to become interested in playing in a band. Understanding this psychology is crucial when recruiting.

The difficulty of practicing at home — the biggest obstacle: volume.

Due to their structure, wind instruments are extremely difficult to silence. The unadulterated sound of a saxophone or trumpet is simply unacceptable in an apartment building, and practicing with headphones like an electric guitar is not an option. While there are practice devices with silent functions (silencers, silent brass instruments, etc.), they do not provide the same feel as playing a real wind instrument, so for serious practice, it is common to use karaoke boxes, music studios, or outdoor locations such as riverbanks.

The difficulty in securing a suitable practice environment creates a situation where people say, "I want to play again after a long time, but I don't have a place to practice," which ultimately contributes to the limited number of active players. Like drums and bass, wind instruments are among the instruments that face significant limitations in terms of practice space, similar to drummers .

The difficulty of assembling a horn section with "multiple" members.

While a guitar or bass section can be formed with just one person, a brass section is inherently made up of multiple players. Although it's possible to play with "just one trumpet," to achieve the richness characteristic of a horn section, you'd ideally want two or three instruments such as a saxophone, trumpet, and trombone. Finding even one person is difficult, but the need to gather multiple people simultaneously makes finding a brass section even more challenging.

A good approach to this problem is a chain reaction: "First, find one person to be the core, and then have them introduce you to other wind instrument players through their connections." Wind instrument players often have horizontal connections within their school band or big band community, so finding one person can potentially lead to a chain reaction.

Supply and demand balance by part-time job — The reality in numbers

A cross-sectional observation of major band member recruitment services reveals the following trends in the wind instrument section:

The wind instrument section has a unique structure: while there are many experienced players, there are few who want to actively play in a band. The key is how to motivate this dormant group. Utilizing cross-platform search like Membo makes it easier to overcome this challenge.

Six Ways to Find a Wind Instrument/Brass Ensemble — A Complete Guide to Practical Approaches

There isn't just one way to find a wind instrument player. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, and combining them will maximize your chances of finding one. Please use the following six methods, including those specific to wind instruments, according to your situation.

Route 1: Membo — Search across 10+ sites simultaneously

The first thing you should try is Membo . Membo is a service that collects and displays information from MUSIN and other major domestic band member recruitment sites, and automatically translates it into eight languages (Japanese, English, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Nepali, Hindi, and Taiwanese).

The biggest advantage of using Membo is that it eliminates the hassle of checking multiple services one by one. Simply search using keywords such as "saxophone," "trumpet," or "horn," and specify your area, and a list of wind instrument players currently available will be displayed. It covers all 47 prefectures, making it easy to use even for bands located in rural areas.

Furthermore, Membo has a strong advantage in matching musicians with foreign musicians. There are cases where foreign horn players who grew up in the heartlands of jazz and funk post recruitment notices in Japan, offering the possibility of meeting members with diverse musical backgrounds. For those interested in playing in bands with foreigners , examples of bands formed by foreigners and Japanese musicians can also be helpful.

Membo is intuitive to use, and detailed search instructions are available on its help page . Since it's free to use, we recommend checking it out first.

Route 2: MUSIN — Japan's largest bulletin board service

MUSIN is Japan's largest service for finding band members and music events. Job postings are displayed in a bulletin board format, allowing you to search using keywords such as "saxophone player wanted," "trumpet player wanted," or "horn section player wanted" to find wind instrument players that match your band's genre and activity area.

MUSIN's strength lies in the sheer volume of information it offers. Thanks to its long history of operation, it boasts a large user base, making it particularly easy to find horn player recruitment notices from ska, funk, and jazz bands, as well as posts from wind instrument players seeking to join bands. Try using the search filters to narrow down your search by area, genre, and instrument.

However, to efficiently utilize MUSIN information, there is also a method to check MUSIN information all at once via Membo . Since Membo displays information across multiple services, including MUSIN, it saves you the trouble of checking MUSIN individually.

Recruiting wind instrument players at MUSIN — Actual trends and key points for success

This summarizes the trends shared by experienced players when searching for wind instrument players on MUSIN. Because MUSIN is a bulletin board-style platform, the quality and frequency of posts directly impact the response rate.

• Time to receive a response : Because there are fewer wind instrument players, responses tend to take longer than for guitars and basses. Be prepared to wait patiently for 2 to 4 weeks. In some cases, you may receive a response in just a few days, but it's important to keep posting without rushing.
• Weekly updates are effective : Even with the same content, updating or reposting once or twice a week will improve search rankings and maintain exposure. The key is to continue updating even if there is "no response for a month."
• Specifying the genre significantly impacts response rates : Wind instrument players are very concerned about "what kind of music uses horns." Be sure to specify the genre and reference artists, such as ska, funk, jazz, or pop.
• Communicate whether or not there will be a horn arrangement : Clearly stating whether there is already a horn arrangement score or whether you would like us to work together to create the arrangement will help the musicians visualize what the finished product will look like.

MUSIN has long served as a central platform for finding band members. However, rather than focusing on a single service, a multi-route strategy is most effective, which involves cross-searching multiple services, including MUSIN, on Membo and combining them with the wind band communities and sessions described later.

Route 3: Wind ensembles, adult big bands, jazz clubs

When searching for a wind instrument, the most promising approach is to reach out to communities that are already playing wind instruments. This is a unique way to find a player that is not available for other instruments.

• Community Wind Orchestras/Community Bands : There are community wind orchestras in each region, and they have active saxophone, trumpet, and trombone players. You might find someone who wants to play horns in a band in addition to their regular activities.
• Adult Big Bands : Jazz big bands are a treasure trove of wind instrument players. Swing and funk bands often have good musical chemistry with big band members. Make connections through practice venues and social media accounts.
• University jazz clubs, light music clubs, and wind ensemble clubs : Students are highly enthusiastic and eager to try new music. A wide range of wind instrument players, including alumni, are gathered together.

When approaching these communities, it's important to take careful steps rather than suddenly barging in with a "We're recruiting members!" message. These steps might include attending performances, connecting on social media, or getting introduced through mutual acquaintances. Wind instrument players' communities have strong horizontal connections, so once you become friends with one person, your network can expand rapidly.

Route 4: Utilizing social media (X, Instagram, Facebook)

X (formerly Twitter) is also an effective platform for finding wind instrument players. By searching with hashtags such as "#saxophonewanted", "#trumpetwanted [prefecture name]", "#hornsectionwanted", and "#windinstrumentwanted", you can find players who are looking for musicians or wind instrument players who have expressed interest in playing horns in a band.

It's important to proactively reach out to others. By posting a concise description of the band's atmosphere, activity area, genre, and the wind instruments being recruited, using hashtags, and setting it as a pinned tweet, you can continuously advertise. Attaching audio or performance videos with horn arrangements will help potential players imagine what it would be like to play in this band.

Instagram is well-suited for visual appeal. Posting live performance videos and practice footage showcasing the horn section can effectively convey the band's appeal while recruiting members. Facebook tends to attract a slightly older demographic and is suitable for finding working adults with brass band experience or bands of different generations . Joining local music community groups or brass band alumni groups and posting recruitment notices there is also an effective method.

Route 5: Bulletin Board for Music Stores, Music Schools, and Studios

Music stores and music schools that handle wind instruments are places where you can connect directly with people who are currently playing wind instruments. Many students at Shimamura Music's music school take saxophone and trumpet lessons, and some of them want to put what they've learned to good use in a band.

Approaches include:

• I approached a music store clerk who sells wind instruments and told them I was looking for a horn player, and asked if I could post a recruitment flyer on their corkboard.
• Please post the recruitment notice in the lobby or on the bulletin board of the music school.
• I attend ensemble recitals and jam sessions organized by the school, and get to know other students taking wind instrument lessons.

Of particular interest is the approach to "people who have just started learning the saxophone or trumpet." Many people learn the basics in lessons and want to "actually play in a band," and by reaching out to such people, you have the potential to meet passionate wind instrument players, even if they have little experience. It is important to approach them with an understanding of what it takes for them to want to join a band .

Route 6: Network of acquaintances, jam sessions, and band collaborations

The most successful way to find wind instrument players is through "person-to-person connections." Wind instrument players have strong horizontal connections within communities such as school bands, big bands, and jazz clubs, so it's easy for the search to spread from one acquaintance to another. If you have friends or acquaintances who are in bands, ask them all, "Do you know anyone who can play a wind instrument?"

Jam session events are also a good option. Open sessions held at jazz cafes and live bars often have wind instrument players participating, allowing you to check compatibility while listening to their performances. Ideally, you should try playing together in a jam session before your first band practice .

If the band you're playing with has a horn section, it's a good idea to reach out to those players. Carefully confirm whether they're able to play with other bands, and then start by having them participate as support or guest musicians.

How to write a compelling recruitment message that will attract wind instrument players.

No matter how good the location where you post your job opening, you won't get any responses if the job description isn't appealing. To attract rare wind instrument players, a carefully crafted job description from the reader's perspective is essential. Horn players, in particular, are very conscious of "what kind of music they play and how they play it," so conveying your musicality is critically important.

Common patterns of "bad job postings"

First, let's understand the patterns of job postings that tend to receive few responses.

• The ad simply says "Saxophone player urgently needed!!" with no further details.
• Conditions that require too much activity, such as "people who can practice three or more times a week."
• Expressions that narrow the scope of candidates, such as "ready to contribute immediately" or "professional-minded only."
• An attitude that places an excessive burden on musicians, such as "leaving the horn arrangement entirely to them."
• There are no links to audio sources or social media (so it's unclear what kind of music uses horns).

These are expressions that discourage someone from wanting to play in a band. Because wind instrument players are scarce, they are often in a position to select the players. Unless your writing makes them think, "It would be fun to be in the horn section of this band," you won't get any applications.

7 Key Points for Writing a Recruitment Message That Resonates

1. Simply describing the band's musical style and the role of the horns as "rock" or "pop" is too abstract. Instead, specify a reference artist and the role of the horns, such as "a funky sound with tight horn riffs, like [famous artist's name]." We strongly recommend attaching URLs to audio or YouTube videos that feature horn arrangements.

2. Clearly state the instruments and formation you are recruiting. Specify the instruments and number of players needed, such as "1 saxophone player" or "horn section with 1 trumpet and 1 trombone player." If you already have other members in your horn section, mentioning that formation will help potential players visualize the sound after they join.

3. Communicate the approach to the horn arrangement. Clearly state how the horn part will be created, such as "We have existing sheet music," "We want to create the arrangement together," or "We want you to play freely with a focus on improvisation." This is one of the points that wind instrument players care about the most. Communicating the degree of freedom in the arrangement will prevent mismatches.

4. Be honest about your current activities and goals. Clearly state "how many times a month you practice," "how many times a year you perform live," and "your future goals." If you leave things vague, a mismatch may occur after joining, such as "I didn't expect to practice this much."

5. Show consideration for practice and performance environments
Wind instruments are instruments for which securing practice spaces is difficult. Adding a simple note such as, "We will reserve a spacious studio room that can accommodate the horns," or "We will provide horn microphones for the PA system during the performance," will greatly increase the musicians' sense of security.

6. Broaden the range of experience levels. Phrases like "Those with a gap in their experience are welcome" and "Those with wind band experience but who are new to band activities are also very welcome" are encouraging messages for experienced players who have been dormant. Opening the doors is an effective way to attract rare wind instrument players.

7. Update and repost regularly.
Platforms like Membo and MUSIN tend to rank posts higher in search results. You can maintain visibility by reposting your content slightly once or twice a week.

Ready-to-use recruitment template for wind instrument players

Here is a sample job posting that incorporates seven key points. Please copy and rewrite it to suit your situation.

Be sure to rewrite the template to suit your band's situation. Attaching a track with horn arrangements and clearly stating the instruments and configuration you are recruiting will directly increase your response rate.

The option of nurturing or bringing back wind instrument players

If you continue to struggle to find active wind instrument players in a band, you can shift your approach and consider options such as "bringing back experienced players who are currently inactive" or "starting together with complete beginners." This strategy is more effective for wind instruments than for other parts because there is a large number of experienced players.

Bringing back those "dormant brass band players"

As mentioned earlier, there are a large number of people in Japan who were in brass band clubs and can play the saxophone or trumpet, but have now stopped playing their instruments. Many of them have stopped playing simply because they "want to play again but haven't had the opportunity," "don't have anyone to play with," or "don't have a place to practice."

In short, if you can provide them with a place where they can play casually and a welcoming group of friends, they will start playing again. Clearly stating in the recruitment message that "those with a break in their playing are welcome" and "those with wind band experience but no prior band experience are also very welcome" lowers the barrier to entry and is key to uncovering this group. Start with easy songs and gradually help them regain their feel for the instrument.

Advantages and disadvantages of the training approach

When training inexperienced individuals from scratch, or when hiring experienced individuals who have been out of the workforce for a while, it's crucial to honestly understand the advantages and disadvantages of each approach.

This approach is not suitable for bands that are in a hurry, such as those with a gig next month or those that urgently need a horn section that can play at full power right away. The training and revival approach is best suited for bands that have time to spare and whose policy is to "create members who can grow together."

We coordinate song selection together with beginners and those who have been away from music for a while.

When welcoming inexperienced or returning musicians after a break, it's essential to adjust the band's song selection and horn arrangements to a manageable level. Start with simple horn parts focusing on long tones, and gradually move on to more challenging riffs and solos as they regain their rhythm.

To motivate beginners and players who have been away from the game for a while, it's important to let them experience the sense of accomplishment early on, such as "This song is complete with your saxophone." Starting with a cover band provides a clear example of a horn arrangement, creating an environment that is easy for players to work with.

Success Stories of Finding Wind Instrument Players — Lessons Learned from Actual Recruitment Activities

There are several common patterns among bands that have successfully found wind instrument players. This article introduces specific examples of bands that have succeeded by combining Membo , MUSIN, wind band communities, and social media.

Case 1: A saxophone player was found by reaching out to a group of brass band alumni.

A member of a ska band contacted a local community wind orchestra via their social media account. They politely asked, "Is there anyone who would like to play horns in a band?" A saxophonist within the orchestra, who had been thinking about joining another band, raised his hand. He was delighted, saying, "It's refreshing to be able to play with a different kind of freedom than in a wind orchestra." This is an example of how an approach through the community can bear fruit.

Case Study 2: A horn section was assembled in one month through simultaneous recruitment for multiple services.

A funk band simultaneously posted recruitment notices for a horn section on Membo , MUSIN, and X. They attached a track with a horn arrangement and specified "one saxophone and one trumpet player." There was no response for the first two weeks, but in the third week a trumpet player contacted them, and in the fourth week a saxophone player contacted them via X, and they had two horn players in about a month. This is an example of how "recruiting multiple instruments simultaneously takes time, but persistent effort pays off."

Case Study 3: Welcoming a trombonist we met at a jam session

A jazz-soul band regularly participates in open sessions held at a local jazz bar. During their third session, they hit it off with a trombonist, and after a studio rehearsal, they found they were a good match, leading to the trombonist becoming a full member. This is an example of the power of face-to-face connections, demonstrating that "finding a rare trombone player was faster by actually going to places where they were playing than by waiting for an open position."

Case 4: Bringing back experienced band members who had been out of the band for a while and holding a live performance six months later.

A pop band reached out to a friend of one of their members who had played the trumpet in high school but had a 10-year hiatus, and asked him to join the band. For the first few months, he started with simple long tones and basic horn parts, and after six months, he had recovered enough to perform the horns at a live show. One real-life example of this was, "Experienced people get their skills back quickly. I'm glad we reached out to him despite the long break."

What they all have in common is "clearly defining musicality (the role of the horn)," "simultaneous activities through multiple channels," "utilizing the wind band community," and "persistent persistence." Rather than sticking to one method, the shortest route to finding wind instrument players is to use Membo 's cross-search function and simultaneously engage multiple contact points.

Common Mistakes and Solutions — Anti-Patterns in Finding Wind Instrument Players

There are common mistakes to avoid when searching for wind instrument players. Let's learn from the experiences of those who came before us and avoid making the same mistakes.

Mistake 1: Treating the horns as merely decorative.

Situation : The recruitment process was based on the understanding that "horns only need to play during the chorus," and even after joining, the members were treated poorly.
Problem : Wind instrument players take pride in their instruments. Treating them as mere "decoration" or "just for show" significantly lowers their motivation and leads to them quitting prematurely.
Solution : Respect the horn section as musical partners. It's important to show that "this song wouldn't be complete without your horns" and create moments in the song where the horns can take center stage.

Failure 2: Underestimating the importance of practice locations.

Situation : They booked a small studio, and the horn section felt that "the sound was echoing and it was difficult to play" and "they couldn't hear their own sound."
Problem : Wind instruments produce a loud sound, and playing them without a suitable environment can be very stressful. Ignoring this can lead to dissatisfaction among players.
Solution : If a horn is involved, choose a spacious studio and pay attention to the PA and monitoring environment. Creating an environment where the horn can play comfortably will increase the likelihood of retention.

Failure #3: Trying only one method

Situation : I posted on MUSIN, but there's been no response for three weeks. I'm starting to feel discouraged.
Problem : Because the absolute number of wind instrument players is small, relying on a single platform greatly limits opportunities for finding other players.
Solution : Proceed with Membo , MUSIN, SNS, wind band communities, music stores, and jam sessions simultaneously. The key to success is to definitely incorporate the "wind band/big band community" route, which is specific to wind instruments.

Failure 4: Only talks about conditions and doesn't talk about music or horns.

Situation : The recruitment post is full of conditions, such as activity frequency, number of live performances, and how to split studio fees.
Problem : What wind instrument players want to know first is "how to use horns in what kind of music." A mere list of conditions gives the impression of emphasizing "obligation" rather than passion for music.
Solution : Start by focusing on the music and the role of the horns. Begin by expressing your passion for the music and the role you want the horns to play, and then concisely summarize the requirements at the end.

Failure 5: Neglecting follow-up after enrollment

Situation : We went through a lot of trouble to find a horn player and he joined, but he quit after a few months. Now we have to start the horn section search all over again.
Problem : If new members cannot find their place after joining, it can lead to early departures. Horn sections, in particular, tend to be small and prone to isolation.
How to handle it : During the first one or two months after joining, be sure to communicate carefully. Even a simple, specific piece of feedback like, "That horn phrase today was fantastic," can greatly boost a musician's motivation. It's also a good idea to read about how to handle situations when a member suddenly leaves , so you'll be prepared for any eventuality.

Membo vs. Other Services — A Comparison Guide to Finding Wind Instrument Players

Compare Membo with other services to choose the best platform for finding wind instrument and brass band groups.

In conclusion, the most efficient strategy for finding wind instrument players is a multi-layered, parallel approach: broad cross-search on Membo + direct posting on MUSIN and social media + face-to-face contact through wind ensemble and big band communities and sessions. The key to success is not to limit yourself to a single service, but to always incorporate community routes specific to wind instruments.

To encourage wind instrument players to continue playing for a long time — Building relationships for retention

Retaining the brass players we've worked so hard to find is just as important a challenge as finding horn players. Horn players are small in number, and the sound changes drastically if even one person is absent, so efforts to increase retention are essential.

Designing a fulfilling experience for horn players.

Consciously create "moments where the horn section can take center stage," such as solos or decisive phrases. Incorporating arrangements that make the players feel good to play, such as saxophone solos, soaring high notes from the trumpet, or glissandos from the trombone, directly contributes to maintaining their motivation.

From the practice stage, make an effort to give specific, one-word feedback such as, "That riff you played today was amazing." Because the horn section is small, words of encouragement to each individual are a great source of motivation.

Understanding and consideration for practice and performance environments

Creating a comfortable environment for playing wind instruments is crucial. Choose a studio with a large enough room to accommodate horns, and provide microphones and monitors for the horns during the performance. Showing consideration for creating an environment where players can "hear their own sound clearly" and "play comfortably" will increase player satisfaction.

Additionally, wind instruments incur ongoing costs such as reed replacement (in the case of saxophones) and oil/grease maintenance. While splitting the studio fee equally is the basic principle, discussing the costs of consumables as well can prevent problems later on.

Maintain constant communication.

Let's cherish not only discussions about music, but also everyday conversations. Stable relationships among band members are important, both in terms of the frequency and consistency of band practice . If there are multiple horn players, it is also effective to set aside time for the horn section to practice independently to facilitate coordination among them.

Using LINE groups and music sharing platforms to continue communicating even on days when you're not practicing, such as "Listen to this horn arrangement," deepens the bonds between members and leads to long-term activities. Membo can be installed on your smartphone as an app (PWA) , and by enabling push notifications , you can receive new recruitment information and messages immediately. This setting is recommended for those who want to continuously check for member recruitment.

A willingness to share in the joy of wind instrument players' growth.

Especially when welcoming experienced musicians who have been away from the band for a while, or beginners, it's crucial to celebrate their progress together. Specific compliments like, "You hit that high note today that you couldn't hit last month," or "That solo was so much better," foster confidence and a sense of belonging to the band. Let's share the joy of creating music as a whole band, including collaboration with other parts like the keyboardist .

Characteristics of searching for wind instrument players by instrument — Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone

The approach and places to search will vary depending on the wind instrument you are looking for. Understanding the characteristics of each instrument will allow you to find a player more efficiently.

How to find a saxophone player

The saxophone is a star instrument in jazz, pop, ska, and funk, and it has a relatively large number of players among wind instruments. The alto saxophone is also a popular part in school bands, so there are many experienced players. When searching on Membo , try narrowing your search using keywords such as "saxophone," "saxophone," and "tenor saxophone."

Because the saxophone has a strong presence as a solo instrument, recruitment requests such as "We want you to play a solo" or "We want you to play the melody" tend to resonate well. There are also many participants in jazz sessions, so there are plenty of opportunities to meet people in person.

How to find a trumpet player

The trumpet is the star of the brass section, responsible for the high register of the horn section. While many players come from school bands, active trumpet players in bands are limited. Players who can consistently produce high notes are especially valuable, so cherish any you find.

Trumpet players are often found in big band and brass band communities. Approaching them through these groups' social media and concerts is an effective strategy. Searching for "trumpet player wanted" on MUSIN is also a good approach.

How to find a trombonist

The trombone is one of the least played wind instruments, making it the most difficult part to find for a horn section. While it plays a crucial role in adding depth to the horn section, its small number means it's hard to find simply by waiting.

If you're looking for a trombonist, the most effective methods are direct approaches to wind ensembles, big bands, and jazz clubs, as well as participating in jam sessions. Because it's a rare instrument, I recommend actively going to places where people are actually playing, rather than relying solely on online recruitment. If you find one person, there's a high chance that they'll introduce you to other horn players through their connections.

A strategy to assemble the entire horn section (multiple people)

If you want to create a horn section with 2-3 saxophones, trumpets, and trombones, it's more practical to gather them gradually rather than trying to get everyone together at once. Start by finding one core player (often a saxophone or trumpet), and then gradually add the other members while creating the horn arrangement around that person.

If the core players belong to a wind ensemble or big band community, the group often expands exponentially through questions like, "Do you know anyone who can play the trombone?" Making the most of the connections among wind instrument players is the shortest route to assembling a horn section.

The option of playing in a band with a foreign horn player

One way to address the shortage of wind instrument players in Japan is to collaborate with foreign horn players residing in Japan. Many foreign players who grew up in the heartlands of jazz, funk, and soul possess high technical skill and rich expressive abilities.

Membo supports eight languages, so you can post and search for bands in languages other than Japanese. We provide detailed information on the points to consider and how to enjoy forming a band with foreign horn players, specifically for Japanese and foreign musicians . You can also refer to our tips on how to approach foreign musicians .

Points to consider when searching for wind instrument players by region — Differences between Tokyo, Osaka, and other regions

Finding wind instrument players varies greatly depending on the region where you are working.

Major cities such as Tokyo and Osaka

Large cities have a large musician population, and there are plenty of amateur big bands and jazz sessions. In addition to posting job openings on Membo and MUSIN, you can find many opportunities to meet people directly by attending sessions at live music venues and jazz bars. However, there are many competing bands, so you will need to differentiate yourself through your horn section role and musical style.

Medium-sized cities (Sendai, Nagoya, Hiroshima, Fukuoka, etc.)

While there are a fair number of musicians, information tends to be concentrated within local communities. Building relationships with local community wind orchestras and music stores is an efficient way to find wind instrument players. Using local hashtags on social media (e.g., #NagoyaSaxophoneRecruitment) is also effective.

Rural areas/suburbs

Because the absolute number of wind instrument players is small, it is important to relax the requirements. It is necessary to make adjustments specific to the region, such as limiting the frequency of activities to once or twice a month, assuming that players will also be members of other wind ensembles, and welcoming those with no prior experience. Local wind ensembles are often relatively active even in rural areas, making them a valuable point of contact.

Membo covers all 47 prefectures of Japan, allowing users to narrow their search area even if they live in a rural area. It's a particularly useful tool for local bands.

Regarding the search for wind instrument players and the continuation of musical activities

Finding a wind instrument player isn't a one-time success. There's always the possibility of member changes as the band continues. Especially with horn sections, which tend to be smaller, it's crucial to constantly be aware of and expand your "wind instrument player network."

Regularly participating in jam sessions, attending concerts by wind ensembles and big bands, and connecting with fellow wind instrument players on social media—these everyday activities build a foundation for having "horn players you know" when you need them. We also regularly post information useful for band activities and finding members in Membo's announcements and news , so please check those out as well.

Just like with the key to continuing band practice , finding band members isn't about "finding the perfect match in one go," but rather about "nurturing the connection over time," which will bear fruit in the long run. On the Membo page, we also support connections between diverse musicians, including wind instrument players and all other instrumentalists, as a platform for connecting people of all parts.

The complete steps for finding a wind instrument/brass band — Summary and checklist

Let's summarize what we've covered so far and turn it into concrete action steps.

Step 1: Preparation (1-3 days)

• Prepare audio recordings or performance videos of the band (ideally, an image track with horn arrangements).
• Organize the instruments and ensemble size (saxophone/trumpet/trombone/number of players) that we are recruiting.
• Decide on the approach for the horn arrangement (existing sheet music available / collaborative creation / primarily improvisation).
• Write a draft of the recruitment notice (keeping these 7 points in mind)

Step 2: Parallel transmission (1-4 weeks)

• Start your search by narrowing down your area and instrument on Membo.
• Post a job opening on MUSIN
• X: Post recruitment notices on Instagram (updated 1-2 times a week)
• Contact local community wind orchestras and big bands.
• We requested that music stores and music schools that handle wind instruments display our flyers.
• Reaching out to acquaintances and friends (calling every connection you have in the wind instrument community)

Step 3: Trial fitting (2-8 weeks)

• Please respond promptly to applications (ideally within 24 hours).
• First, we exchange audio files and social media information to share our musical ideas and our vision for the role of the horns.
• We conduct 3-4 trial fittings in a spacious studio.
• We will make the final decision to add them to the team after confirming both their musicality and personality.

Step 4: Retention (1-3 months after joining)

• Give positive feedback after practice (specifically praise the horn phrases).
• Invite them to the band's communication channels and get them actively involved.
• The horn player incorporates arrangements that are "fun to play" into the song selection.
• To create an environment where the horn can be played comfortably during practice and performances.

By keeping these four steps in mind, you can significantly increase your chances of success in finding wind instrument and brass section members. For finding members for each section, reading the series on how to find a vocalist, a guitarist , and a bassist will make it easier to develop an overall strategy for finding members.

Summary — How to overcome the shortage of wind instruments and brass bands

Finding wind instrument players and horn sections is a unique challenge facing the Japanese band scene, but with the right strategy and consistent action, a path forward can definitely be opened. Let's review the points discussed in this article.

• The difficulty in finding wind instrument players is structural (many experienced players but few currently active, limitations on practice spaces, and the difficulty of gathering multiple players), so it is important to act strategically.
• The search method involves running six routes in parallel, and always incorporating community routes related to wind ensembles and big bands.
• Membo allows you to efficiently search across more than 10 services.
• The recruitment notice should clearly state the musical style, the role of the horns, and the instruments and ensemble being sought.
• If you can't find any active musicians, a viable option is to bring back and train dormant band members with past experience.
• The best way to prevent the need to search for another horn section is to ensure their continued presence after finding them (designing a fulfilling work environment and considering environmental factors).

Finding a brass instrument player can take time, but it's important not to give up and to keep trying multiple options. I hope your band finds the perfect horn section soon.